Ambrose, The Randburg Rose Guy Who’s Been Part of So Many First Dates

A beautiful story of love for a special man in Randburg, who sells roses, has been shared on social media this week.

Gauteng resident, Jelena Mandic, posted a message a few days ago about Ambrose… which evoked memories from many. “Ambrose has been a part of so many lives, so many first dates…” Jelena told SAPeople.

Jelena’s message came after she discovered that BrightWater Commons in Randburg is to become a concrete jungle. (According to a report in The Citizen earlier this year, it will be the premise for Urban Brew Studios’ new facilities.)

“Water has been drained, ducks and fish moved…” wrote Jelena.

She said: “It’s been empty for quite some time, so it’s no surprise…yet it makes me sad and it makes me think of one person, Ambrose – the gentleman who sells roses.

“Once I had a chat with him, and he told me his story… He started off at Bruma Lake washing cars when Bruma was THE place to be in the 90s.

“One car wash changed his life… a florist’s car (he spoke of her so fondly). He had found her wallet, returned it… and in exchange she offered him a new job – selling roses.

“He told me: ‘Roses were selling at R5 and I was getting R1 for each rose sold and on my first night I made over R100…’

“His eyes smiled, and mine got a little wet…

“Ambrose has been selling roses ever since…

“It takes him about 2 hours to get to BrightWater, and when I asked him about the price of transport he said: ‘R25 coming and Oh at night it’s much cheaper, R20’.

“Ambrose has 3 beautiful daughters…

“Again his eyes and heart smiled when he spoke of them, and again mine couldn’t hold back the tears…

“Ambrose has been selling roses for such a long time and I truly hope he continues to do so…

“So until this concrete jungle is built,
Next time you see him buy that rose.
Or at least give him a smile…
?????????????”

Jelena’s post touched many. Merilyn Emilia Padayachee wrote: “I absolutely admire this hardworking and wonderful man. My partner and I often support him with bus fair and supper. The look on his face when you give him anything is just pure gratitude. God will definitely open doors for him. ❤”

Sarah-Jade Thorne shared her story: “Ambrose has been selling roses since Jason and i started dating in school, back in 2001, and was probably selling for a while before then. We are always still amazed to still see him there ?. Now we know his story!”

Jelena has been so overwhelmed with the response and has added a new message: “I didn’t know that this gentle soul and a true gentleman has made an impact on so many of you.❤️

“Maybe BrightWaters will get better, but for now it’s a construction site, and we all know what that means for Ambrose.

“So I’d like to ask you to help me try and make a difference in Ambrose life…”

Jelena lives just up the road from BrightWater and asks that those whose lives have been touched by Ambrose, please drop off anything for him, “even if it’s just a can of tomatoes with your name and a little thank you note”.

Or, if you have your own Ambrose story, please private message Jelena. Her original post can be found here or see below.

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10156854146557942&set=a.10150651792142942.488059.825662941&type=3